Vacant and Unfurnished Properties

An exemption may be awarded for a property which is empty and unfurnished for a period of up to 6 months from the date it was last occupied but only if it was occupied for more than 12 weeks.

Following on from this 6 month period of exemption and providing the property remains empty, there is an entitlement to 50% discount for a further 6 months.

Once empty for 12 months a Council Tax levy will be applied. Relief from the levy may be granted for a maximum period of 12 months, if the property remains empty and is actively being marketed for sale or offered for rent and no more than twenty-four months has expired since last occupation. In the period in which relief awarded, there will be an entitlement to 10% discount. If the property remains empty once this relief has expired, the levy will be applied.

Note: Various statutory conditions must be satisfied for a property to be considered as exempt. We may have to ask you some questions and gather some information before exemption may be granted.

For further information contact us, or to download the Vacant Property Application Form (PDF).